Sauvignon Blanc, 2020

A Sauvignon Blanc with a complex nose of passion fruit, grapefruit, fig and fresh herbs. The palate is full of tropical fruit, with bright and zesty acidity. 

Meet the maker: Excelsior

Region: Robertson, Breede River Valley – South Africa

Grape(s): Sauvignon Blanc (100%)

13% ABV / 750ml

Viticulture:

For years the Excelsior land was grazed by thoroughbred horses, the limestone rich soils thought to provide them with a source of calcium through the vegetation they consumed. 

This limestone content has proven to be beneficial for grape growing; the grapes grown here display greater spice notes in reds and fresher acidity in whites, than is typical in the Robertson region.

The Sauvignon Blanc comes from three different vineyards. The early picked component is from low altitude alluvial soils, producing herbal wines with high acidity. The second component is from high altitude vineyards, 400 metres above sea level on decomposed sandstone. This wine has a mineral and green apple character. The last component comes from limestone, clay rich soils which add ripe tropical characters and body to the wine.

Winemaking:

The grapes were harvested by hand for greater quality control and were immediately de-stemmed and cooled. 

Skin contact was maintained for three hours, after which the grapes were carefully pressed in order to avoid any bitter phenolics.

The wine was then cold fermented for three weeks at temperatures of 12-15°C.

The wine was then matured on the lees for two months prior to bottling.